More pics

Yes yes, Ryan actually witnessed BYU vs. OU in Cowboy Stadium.



Here's all the UT cousins at the zoo when Grammy came to town.

Mount Timp

Kids update part 2

Elina officially started preschool. I say officially because some might remember our one month preschool trial last spring. But here's the real deal. She loves learning and looks forward to going every time. Thanks Miss Nicole!!!
We had a fun day in the canyon with some friends seeing the leaves changing. I love this time of year.
I can't ever start playing without two little rugrats thinking that it's their turn to play. Usually I'm the one that gets kicked off my own piano. Go figure :)

Kids update

We love our Halloween jammies!!! Thanks Grammy and Emmy!!


I figure now that I'm finally updating the blog, we'll go all out with the most recent pics :)

Madrid

A big shout out to my family for watching the kids for us so we could enjoy ourselves in Spain. It was a much needed vacation and special for us to go back to Ryan's mission. It was his first time back since he served there as a missionary. Thanks to everyone who hosted us and went out of their way to make our stay so enjoyable. Gracias por todo!!!

Friends in Spain.

After waiting for Chaz for an hour and a half we spent a nice evening out in Madrid catching up on old times.
It was fun to meet friends in the city that Ryan served 7 months in.
Rebeca is one convert that Ryan himself tracted out on the street, taught, and then baptized. It was so special to see their reunion and to meet her family. She bore her testimony to Ryan and told him how happy she is. It is amazing to see the gospel's message reaching literally around the world.

Toledo

So another day trip was spent traveling an hour south of Madrid to the old captial of Spain, TOLEDO. I seriously can't believe how much history there is in Europe. The old city is set up on a hill surrounded by a wall. The streets are mostly so tiny that the little cars barely seem to squeeze through. The cathedral in this city is the second largest in Spain and was a definite highlight. We even came from this city with two Lladro's because it was the "special mormon member price" for a porcelin "Christus" and one of the missionaries.

Madrid Spain Temple

I was impressed with Ryan's memory. He knew how to get us everywhere we wanted to go--and coming to the temple was no exception. Ryan came home from his mission before the temple was completed and dedicated, so it was a sweet sight to see how the work has progressed in Spain. The temple was beautiful and Ryan kept commenting on how much the surroundings had even changed. They had the MTC and a stake center all on temple grounds, with the surrounding community fully developed. It was beautiful!!

Segovia

2000 year old ancient Roman aquaducts make this city, which lies an hour north of Madrid by bus, a definite place to see.
Segovia's beautiful cathedral
And castle
and view :)

SPAIN!!!

What a wonderful vacation--a much needed no kids vacation to Madrid!!

On the way to Dallas we visited with Elder Christoffersen of the Quorem of the 12 Apostles in the terminal. He was on our same flight so needless to say we knew this leg of the trip was safe and secure :)
Plaza de Espana
Banco de Espana
The Royal Gardens with the Royal Palace in the distance.

We walked around Madrid for about 3 straight hours during our first afternoon there. Madrid is needless to say a busy busy busy European capital!!! But it was awesome to just be there!!